Lubrication injection device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A lubricant injection system and method of using the same is disclosed. The system provides a quantity of lubricant through a hydraulic root cutter to thereby lubricate and purge water from the same. The system includes a lubricant source connected to a hose, and the hose is connected to a probe. The probe includes features which allow it to be quickly connected to the hydraulic root cutters. To use the system, a user depresses a plunger on the source, which moves the lubricant into the hose, through the probe and into the hydraulic root cutter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] (Not Applicable)

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

[0002] (Not Applicable)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to lubricating methods and devices, and more specifically relates to a lubricating method and device used to purge water from the internal components of hydraulic root cutters to thereby extend the useful life of the same.

[0004] It is widely known that sewers and other types of drainage pipes can become clogged with dirt, sludge, roots, calcified deposits, grease, and other types of debris over time. These clogs must occasionally be cleared in order for the drainage pipe to operate properly.

[0005] Hydraulic pipe cleaners have previously been used to clear clogs. This type of pipe cleaner can be attached to a high pressure water hose and includes a plurality of high pressure nozzles. When the hydraulic cleaner is drawn through a pipe, the nozzles expel high pressure water against the dirt and debris to thereby clear the clog. As such, the hydraulic cleaner is easy to set up and use; however, the hydraulic cleaner is often times ineffective against certain types of heavy, difficult clogs. For example, the high pressure water jet from the hydraulic cleaner is typically ineffective to dislodge and remove heavy roots or other similar hard material lodged inside the pipe.

[0006] Alternatively, mechanical pipe cleaners have been used to clear clogs. Mechanical cleaners typically include an actuating member, such as a rotating saw blade or rooter, and as the mechanical cleaner is drawn through the pipe, the actuating member contacts the debris in the pipe to thereby clear the same. Mechanical cleaners are very effective against most types of blockages including roots and other hard materials, but the prior art mechanical cleaners are costly and the actuating/cutting members often causes damage to the walls of the pipe.

[0007] Thus, in recent years a new type of pipe cleaner has been developed which incorporates components from both the hydraulic and mechanical pipe cleaners of the prior art. More specifically, these hybrid pipe cleaners, commonly known as “hydraulic root cutters,” can be connected to a high pressure water hose and include a hydraulic motor or rotor the output shaft of which can mount one or more mechanical cutting blades. As high pressure water flows into the hydraulic root cutter, a portion of the high pressure water is diverted into the rotor, while the remainder of the high pressure water is diverted to thrust jets. The water pressure diverted to the rotor turns the rotor to thereby rotate the cutting blade. The water pressure diverted to the thrust jets aid in flushing debris from the pipe as well as aids in driving the root cutter axially forward within the pipe. Thus, as the hydraulic root cutter travels axially through the pipe, the rotating blade or blades cuts through debris and other blockages in the pipe and the water discharge from the rotor flushes the debris and clears the clog.

[0008] Although such hydraulic root cutters have proven an effective tool in cleaning pipes, maintenance of the tool has been problematic. More specifically, the internal components of the hydraulic motor/rotor are designed for primary use with hydraulic fluid, not water, and are typically fabricated of high-carbon steel. Although these components provide long life in hydraulic fluid environments such as hydraulic oil, these materials rapidly corrode or build up deposits when exposed to the water. This rust and any other deposited materials can quickly jam the rotor, thereby substantially reducing the useable life of the hydraulic root cutter.

[0009] To reduce the harmful effects of the water, it is recommended by all manufacturers that the hydraulic root cutters be lubricated frequently. In some cases, lubrication is required every day, and in other cases, lubrication is required after each use. However, there is no known method of properly, efficiently and cleanly lubricating the root cutter's internal components. As such proper lubrication maintenance typically is deficient and/or non existent causing substantial reduction in the useful life of the hydraulic root cutters. Therefore, there exists a substantial need in the art for an improved lubricating system which will properly lubricate the internal components of a hydraulic root cutter and purge residual water therefrom.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In response to the above-noted needs, there is herein disclosed a lubrication injection system capable of moving a pressurized lubrication fluid such as oil, through all of the internal passages of a hydraulic root cutter. The injection system includes a lubrication source or reservoir, which has an outlet and a flow inducer, such as a hand-operated pump. The flow inducer is capable of pressurizing the fluid within the reservoir and expelling the same through the outlet. Also, the injection system includes a probe that has a first end, a second end, and an internal passage that extends between the first and second ends. The first end of the probe is attached to the outlet of the source such that the pressurized fluid can move through the internal passage. The second end of the probe is adapted to be easily connected to the high pressure water inlet of the hydraulic root cutter. By forcing lubricating fluid from the source, through the probe and into the inlet of the root cutter, residual water contained within the hydraulic motor is purged therefrom and the internal components of the hydraulic root cutters are throughly lubricated.

[0011] The probe of the present invention is specifically designed to provide a quick and failsafe interconnection between the hydraulic source and the hydraulic root cutter. The probe connector includes an elongate shaft with a first and second end, an intermediate portion, and an internal passage extending axially between the first and second ends. The probe connector also includes a quick connect/disconnect fitting located at the first end which facilitates attachment to the reservoir/source. Furthermore, the probe connector includes a first threaded portion located adjacent the second end of the shaft. The first threaded portion is sized for preferably threaded attachment to a complimentary threaded portion formed on the inlet or throat of the hydraulic root cutter. Further, the probe connector includes a second threaded portion i.e. a threaded coupling or collar located on the intermediate portion of the shaft. The second threaded portion is sized for threaded attachment to a complimentary threaded portion formed on the entry of the inlet to the hydraulic root cutter.

[0012] A further aspect of the present invention involves an improved method of lubricating the interior components of a hydraulic root cutter. The method comprises the step of attaching a pressurable lubricant source to the hydraulic root cutter. Subsequently pressurized lubricant is expelled out of the source and into the interior of the hydraulic root cutter. The flow of lubricant fluid lubricates the interior components of the hydraulic root cutter motor/rotor as well as purges residual water from its interior.

[0013] Since all hydraulic root cutters typically should be often lubricated, the injection system, the connector probe, and the method of using the same allows for quick, effective, and failsafe lubrication of the hydraulic root cutter, while minimizing contamination of the environment by excessive and unnecessary escape of lubricating oil and thereby substantially extends the useful life of the hydraulic root cutter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a front view of the lubrication injection system used to inject lubrication fluid into the interior of a conventional hydraulic root cutter;

[0016]FIG. 2 is an end view of a representative hydraulic root cutter;

[0017]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the probe portion of the injection system of FIG. 1; and

[0018]FIG. 4 is a section view of a portion of the injection system of FIG. 1 connected to the inlet of a hydraulic root cutter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate the lubrication injection system 100 of the present invention. Generally speaking, the injection system 100 delivers pressurized lubricant fluid such as oil, into and through the internal components of the hydraulic motor/rotor of a conventional hydraulic root cutter 102 to thereby inhibit corrosion therein and extend its useful life.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the injection system 100 is used in conjunction with a conventional prior art hydraulic root cutter 102. Such root cutters are manufactured and marketed by numerous manufacturers, such as (1) the J-1600, J-1601, OBJ-1467, OBJ-1486, J-1469, and J-1603 models, manufactured by O'Brien manufacturing; (2) the WJ-49P model, manufactured by Sewer Equipment Company of America; (3) the 906 model, manufactured by Shamrock Tools, Inc.; and (4) the Gofer and Mini-Gofer models, manufactured by Sreco-Flexible the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. As is well known, conventional hydraulic root cutters 102 include a hydraulic motor/rotor 104 with an inlet 106 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) at one end and a plurality of outlet jets (not shown). An internal passage 105 (partially shown in FIG. 4) extends between the inlet 106 and the outlet jets. The output shaft 112 of the motor/rotor 104 typically mounts one or more cutting blades 110. As is known, the flow of high pressure water through the hydraulic root cutter is diverted between the thrust jets (not shown) of the root cutter and the rotor 104. The water flow to the rotor 104 causes the rotor 104 to rapidly rotate the output shaft 112 and the saw blade 110 to remove debris in a pipe. Moreover, the hydraulic root cutter 102 typically includes a plurality of skids 108, used as guides to center the hydraulic root cutter 102 in a pipe during cleaning operations.

[0021] As is specifically shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the inlet 106 of the rotor 104 is annular and extends axially into the motor/rotor 104 to define a throat 160. The throat 160 includes a first proximal end 162, which is closest to the exterior of the hydraulic root cutter 102, and a second distal end 164, which lies further internally within the hydraulic motor/rotor 104. The first end 162 and second end 164 are both typically threaded and an internal annular passageway 166 extends therebetween. One or more internal passageways 175 extend radially outward from the passageway 166 toward the proximal end 162 which lead to the thrust nozzle jets (not shown). As will be recognized the annular passageway 166 and passageway 175 thereby typically serve to divert high pressure water flow between the thruster jets and the rotor 104. The throat 160 features of the hydraulic root cutter 102 are generally standard to the industry, and as will be described in greater detail below, these features are utilized for proper fluid and mechanical connection of the hydraulic root cutter 102 to the rest of the injection system 100.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the injection system 100 further includes a probe/connector 128. The probe 128 comprises an elongate cylinder with a first end 130, an opposing second end 132, a smooth outer surface 168, and an internal passage 176 extending axially between the first and second ends 130, 132. The first end 130 preferably includes a conventional, quick-connect/disconnect hose attachment for connecting the second end 126 to other components of the injection system 100. Additionally, the outer surface of the second end 132 of the probe 128 is provided with a threaded section sized complimentary to the threads formed on the second end 164 of the rotor 104. An annular shoulder 186 is formed between this threads the smooth outer surface 168. Preferably an O-ring or other washer seal 188 is provided adjacent the annular shoulder 186.

[0023] The probe 128 also includes a collar 170. The collar 170 is ring-shaped and is slidably attached over the outer surface 168 of the probe 128. In the embodiment shown, the collar 170 includes a threaded portion 174 on one end, and the other end has a larger diameter knurled grip 172. As will be described in greater detail below, the probe 128 allows proper attachment between a lubricant source and the hydraulic root cutter 102, and it allows lubricant to move through its internal passage 176 and into the motor/rotor 104 of the hydraulic root cutter 102.

[0024] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the probe 128 includes a plastic dust cap 178. The cap 178 includes a short, flexible strap 180. The strap 180 has a loop 182 on one end which can be frictionally fit over the first end 130 of the probe 128. The opposing end of the strap 180 includes a cap portion 184 which is preferably sized so as to frictionally fit over the first end 130 of the probe 128 and cover the internal passage 176 of the probe 128. When the cap 184 is fit over the first end 130, the cap 178 inhibits leakage from the internal passage 176 and prevents foreign materials from entering the internal passage 176 through the first end 130, the cap 178 prevents foreign materials from entering the internal passage 176 through the first end 130. An additional optional cap (not shown) for the end 186 of the probe 128 can be provided to cap off the end 186 of the probe 128.

[0025] Additionally, the injection system 100 includes a flexible hose 122 having a first end 124 and a second end 126. In the embodiment shown, the second end 126 includes a receiving portion of a dripless quick-connect/disconnect hose fitting to rapidly connect the corresponding attachment on the first end 130 of the probe. The hose 122 routes lubricant from a lubricant source to the probe 128 such that lubricant can be introduced into the motor/rotor 104 of the hydraulic root cutter 128.

[0026] The injection system 100 further includes a lubricant source or reservoir 114. The source 114 comprises a container suitable for storing a suitable quantity of lubrication fluid preferably a hydraulic oil lubricant. The source 114 includes a lid 118, through which a hand plunger/piston 116 extends. An outlet port 120 is provided on the source through which the lubricant can move out of the source 114. The first end 124 of the hose is connected to the outlet port 120 so as to allow lubricant to travel from the source 114 and into the hose 122.

[0027] As is well known, the plunger 116 can be manipulated upwardly away from the lid 118 and downwardly toward the lid 118. As the plunger 116 is reciprocated, the interior of source 114 is pressurized. Importantly, depressing the plunger 116 downwardly exerts pressure on the lubricant in the source 114, thereby causing the lubricant to be expelled out of the source 114 through the outlet port 120.

[0028] With the structure defined, the operation of the injection system 100 of the present invention can be described. Initially a quantity of lubrication fluid is provided within the interior of the source reservoir 114. Then, the probe 128 is connected to the hydraulic root cutter 102. More specifically, a user slides the collar 170 on the probe 128 toward the first end 130 of the probe 128 and axially inserts the probe 128 into the throat 160 of the hydraulic root cutter 102. The relative sizing of the two components allows the probe 128 to easily slide axially into the throat 160, as shown in FIG. 4. Once the probe 128 is inserted, the user rotates the probe 128 and engages the threads on the second end 132 of the probe 128 with the threads on the second end 164 of the throat 160. Such threaded engagement results is a secure fit and the O-ring seal 188 is firmly squeezed between the shoulder 186 of the probe 128 and the inner surface 166 of the throat 160, to form a fluid tight seal thus assuring that oil will be directed solely into the rotor 104 under pressure and preventing the unnecessary leakage of oil into the thrust nozzle passageway 175 of the rotor 104 and subsequently into the environment. Alternatively, those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative sealed interconnection between the distal end of the probe 12 and the throat 160 is clearly contemplated herein.

[0029] Next, the user slides the collar 170 toward the second end 132 of the probe 128 until it abuts the inlet 106 of the hydraulic root cutter 102. The user then manually rotates the collar 170 via the grip 172 to thereby engage the threaded portion 174 on the collar 170 with the threads formed on the first end 162 of the throat 160. Preferably, this interconnection provides added mechanical support between the probe 128 and the throat of hydraulic root cutter 102 such that possible damage to the throat 160 of the rotor 104 is eliminated.

[0030] With the probe 128 connected to the throat 160 of the root cutter 102, the quick connect/disconnect fittings 126 and 130 may be attached forming a fluid passage between the source 114 and the probe 128. Subsequently, the user depresses the plunger 116 on the source 114 and as stated above, pressurizes the lubricant. As a result, the lubricant is expelled out of the source 114 through the outlet port 120, through the hose 122, through the probe 128 via its internal passage 176, and into the interior of the motor/rotor 104.

[0031] As the lubricant moves through the internal passageway 105 (shown partially in FIG. 4), it coats all of the internal components of the motor/rotor 104 and also purges i.e. displaces residual water from the internal components. As such, the internal components are properly lubricated and are less likely to corrode or build up foreign deposits, thereby extending the useful life of the hydraulic root cutter 102.

[0032] The user continues to depress the plunger 116 until lubricant can be seen exiting from the outlet ports of the hydraulic root cutter 102. This serves as a visual indication that the lubricant has thoroughly coated the internal components and that residual water has been substantially purged therefrom. Subsequently, the quick connect/disconnect fittings 130 and 126 may be disconnected and the cap 184 may be positioned over the end of the probe 128.

[0033] Thus, the injection system 100 of the present invention can be quickly and easily used to properly lubricate and purge water from the internal components of a hydraulic root cutter 102 to thereby extend its useful life.

[0034] This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lubrication injection system capable of moving a lubricant fluid through an internal passage of a hydraulic root cutter, the injection system comprising: a source comprising an outlet and a flow inducer capable of moving a pressurized fluid out of the source via the outlet; and a probe having a first and second end and an internal passage extending between the first and second end, the first end attached to the outlet of the source such that the pressurized fluid can move through the internal passage and the second end attachable to the internal passage of the hydraulic root cutter.
 2. The injection system of claim 1, wherein the flow inducer comprises a pump.
 3. The injection system of claim 2, wherein the pump is operated by hand.
 4. The injection system of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the source comprises a hose.
 5. The injection system of claim 1, wherein the second end of the probe threadably connects to the inlet of the hydraulic root cutter.
 6. The injection system of claim 5, wherein the probe comprises a shaft having a first threaded portion at its second end as well as a second threaded portion located at an intermediate location on the shaft, and wherein the inlet of the hydraulic root cutter includes a third and fourth threaded portion such that the first threaded portion threadably connects to the third threaded portion and the second threaded portion threadably connects to the fourth threaded portion.
 7. The injection system of claim 6, wherein the second threaded portion is located on a collar that is slidably attached to the probe on the intermediate location.
 8. The injection system of claim 1, further comprising a seal adjacent the second end of the probe.
 9. A connector used to attach a hydraulic root cutter with a fluid source to thereby allow movement of pressurized fluid from the source and into the hydraulic root cutter, the connector comprising: a shaft comprising a first and second end, an intermediate portion, and an internal passage extending between the first and second end; an engagement member located at the first end, the engagement member capable of attaching to the fluid source; a first threaded portion located adjacent the second end on an outside surface of the shaft, the first threaded portion capable of threaded attachment to a complimentary threaded portion formed on the hydraulic root cutter; and a second threaded portion located on the intermediate portion on the outside surface, the second threaded portion capable of threaded attachment to a complimentary threaded portion formed on the hydraulic root cutter.
 10. The connector of claim 9, further comprising a seal positioned adjacent the first threaded portion.
 11. The connector of claim 9, wherein the second threaded portion is located on a collar that is slidably attached to the connector on the intermediate portion.
 12. A method of lubricating an interior of a hydraulic root cutter comprising: a) attaching a lubricant source to the hydraulic root cutter, the source capable of moving a pressurized lubricant out of the source; and b) injecting pressurized lubricant out of the source and into the interior of the hydraulic root cutter, thereby lubricating the interior as well as purging the interior of water;
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said attaching step comprises mounting a probe to the hydraulic root cutter; and connecting the probe to the lubricant source.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein said probe mounting step comprises threading said probe unto the hydraulic root cutter.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein said probe connecting step comprises coupling the probe to the lubricant source via a quick connect/disconnect hose coupling. 